May 17, (THEWILL) — Former Governor of Sokoto State, who is also a former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, at the weekend withdrew from the race to return to the National Assembly on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. In his place is a former Commissioner in the state Faruk Malami Yabo, who has indicated interest in the senatorial seat on the platform of the ADC.
As leader of the party in the state, Tambuwal is believed to have made the move as part of the strategy to spread the party to the grassroots and give the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, a run for its money in the upcoming 2027 General Election in the state. The strategy which seems to be working, giving the support of party stakeholders, is targeted at youth inclusiveness as a process for boosting membership across the length and breath of the state.
Faulting the prevailing view that he took the decision to step down because he was unsure of the ADC’s chances in the 2027 poll following the prolonged leadership crisis that eventually weakened it as a result of the recent defection of Peter Obi, and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the rival Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Tambuwal said the need to groom the youths for leadership position was paramount in taking the decision. Also, he debunked another view that he was either retiring from active politics or unprepared to ‘waste’, money pursuing his ambition on a platform he knows is not strong enough to deliver the votes to him.
He said, “No, none of the views are why I decided to step down from the Senatorial race. After consulting with stakeholders in my constituency and in the state, I decided it was time as a leader to cede the chance to the youths. I have done 24 years in elective office, back to back, as a member of the House of Representatives for three terms, I was Speaker, Governor of the state for two terms and now Senator, representing Sokoto South at the Senate.”
He argued that part of the decision is to allow for youth inclusiveness and also appreciate the support he has been given for those years he has served in different capacities. “Our aspirants for the National Assembly positions are below 40 years. I decided to give up my ambition; just my desire to support leadership recruitment.”
As a confirmation of view, another Senator, Ibrahim Lamido, Sokoto East, also withdrew from the race in respect of an agreement reached with stakeholders of the party. Unlike Tambuwal, however, the party is yet to announce a replacement for the Sokoto East senatorial district following Lamido’s withdrawal from the contest on the ADC platform.
Similarly, the member representing Silame-Binji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mani Mainshinku, is expected to clinch the ticket for Sokoto Central Senatorial District.
Tambuwal who said he would be devoting himself to larger party issues, particularly during electioneering for 2027, said the political dynamics of the 2027 election would mimic what happened in 1979 rather than in 2023.
According to him, there are likely to be three presidential candidates from the Southern part of the country, just as it happened in the referenced second republic when three main presidential candidates who ran for the presidency came from the Southern party of the country and three others from the Northern part of the country. These are Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe of the Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP, both from the South, while from the North came Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, Alhaji Aminu Kano of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, and Malam Ibrahim Waziri of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.
“I see a replay of the 1979 elections rather than the 2023 poll, in 2027. It will be full of surprises.” Meanwhile, his loyalists have followed suit. The former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has emerged as the consensus governorship candidate on the platform of the ADC for the 2027 general election in the state.
Dan’iya, a close political ally and former deputy to ex-Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, confirmed the development through his former Press Secretary, Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, at the weekend.
He expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. The former deputy governor, who also holds the traditional title of Walin Sokoto, described his emergence as a major responsibility and pledged to work for unity, stability and development across the state.
He particularly appreciated Tambuwal for his support, guidance and commitment to the political growth of Sokoto State, noting that the backing from elders, youths, women’s groups, and political associates reflected a shared vision for the future of the state.
According to him, the ADC movement represents a fresh push for inclusive leadership, good governance and people-oriented policies ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, alongside all stakeholders, political associates, elders, youths, women and supporters for the confidence reposed in me,” Dan’iya stated.
“This support is a responsibility I deeply value, and together, we shall continue to work for the unity, stability and development of Sokoto State,” he added.
At least 10 aspirants had signified their intention to contest for the governorship ticket in the party, including former Ambassador to Jordan, Faruk Malami Yabo, former Minister of Transportation, Yusuf Suleiman, and former PDP governorship flag bearer in the 2023 general election, Saidu Umar among others.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
